Smart, timely, and funny, Max Headroom probably wasn't meant to last. Much like the original Star Trek, Max was the type of SciFi programming that was perhaps a bit too intelligent for its own good, mixing social commentary with the classic morality tale in a way that probably irritated viewers as much as it entertained them. And I can't imagine Max's studdering and graphically augmented observations lent themselves to comfortable weekly viewing. In any event, it didn't last long but made a splash still worthy of being celebrated today.
Like so many of my generation, I first found Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds come to life in Supermarionation -- meaning as marionettes -- when I could find it in American TV syndication probably some time in the early 1970's. And like so many I was thrilled to see it come back to life even though it was being given a modern era makeover compliments of CGI. The first installments premiered on this day in 2015 at a special BFI Southbank Event in London, England; and it launched to the delight of fans in various places over the next few weeks. Indeed, Thunderbirds were go (again) with Thunderbirds Are Go. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the future, the Tracy family run a private mechanized emergency response service."
"In the future, the Tracy family run a private mechanized emergency response service."
Late in his life and career, the venerable Richard Kiley made an appearance aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Though he's no longer with us, Kiley was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard Chamberlain turned in his best Indiana Jones impersonation as part of the Fantasy-themed King Solomon's Mines (1985) and Allan Quatermain And The Lost City Of Gold (1986). Though he's no longer with us, Chamberlain was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While a significant portion of the man's career is marked by his obvious predilection for some increasingly quirky characters, Christopher Walken has appeared in the occasionally sci-fi-themed property. (He's pictured above with the late Natalie Wood from Brainstorm.) Walken was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Marc McClure played a terrific wide-eyed Jimmy Olsen in the Christopher Reeve version of the Superman films throughout the 70's and 80's; plus, he had a greater small role in the first Back To The Future flick. McClure was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jacqueline Kim boarded Star Trek: Generations (1994) in the role of Demora Sulu. In 2015, she wrote and starred in her own Science Fiction picture, Advantageous (2015). Kim was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When but an urchin, Johnny Timko appeared aboard "The Lost Warrior," an early episode of the original Battlestar Galactica. He also made visits to The Lost Saucer, The Bionic Woman, Prophecy (1979), and Weird Science (1985). Timko was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
English-born Beth Goddard has given genre fans some love with appearances aboard Bugs, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Ashes To Ashes, X-Men: First Class (2011), and Edge Of Tomorrow (2014). Goddard was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Damon Herriman enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard Syfy's signature series Incorporated while it was on the network. Herriman was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sure, I'm part fanboy, but I'm not so slavishly devoted to fanboy ideas that I immediately embraced Ewan McGregor to take on the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars' Prequel Trilogy. I was a bit skeptical right away -- this was relatively fresh in McGregor's career, and I thought the role for such an important figure in the entire Star Wars mythology needed someone a bit older, a bit more mature. For better or worse, McGregor actually ended up being one of the strengths of the entire Prequel Trilogy, no small task indeed. McGregor was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Angela Marie Dotchin has definitely established herself as a force to be reckoned with in genre entertainment with roles aboard such properties as Xena: Warrior Princess, Young Hercules, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and Jack Of All Trades. Dotchin was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though it would seem that these days one is more apt to find the lovely Carol-Ann Merrill well behind-the-camera in the guise of the producer, back in the early 1990's she scored some quality small screen time as a regular aboard Harry And The Hendersons. Merrill was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
NBC's 2013 Dracula television series really wasn't all that interesting, but it did introduce viewers to the fetching Victoria Smurfit. She's gone on to a bigger role aboard ABC TV's Once Upon A Time. Smurfit was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hailing from the United Kingdom, Adrian Holmes certainly found fame in a big way in genre entertainment. Since launching his career in 1991, he's given fans something to crow about with work in Highlander, M.A.N.T.I.S., NightMan, The Outer Limits, Seven Days, First Wave, The Twilight Zone, Jeremiah, The 4400, Tru Calling, Stargate SG-1, Flash Gordon, Supernatural, the TV mini-series remake of The Andromeda Strain, Battlestar Galactica, Fringe, Smallville, V, Primeval: New World, Arrow, Continuum, and Debug. As one can conclude, this guy is a serious SciFi warrior! Holmes was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
German lovely Bettina Zimmermann has a few SciFi and Fantasy credentials worthy of note to the international viewers. In 2002, she looked perfect for the part in Erkan & Stefan gegen die Mächte der Finsternis. In 2007, she dealt with the future collapse of the Germany government aboard the SciFi-themed 2030 - Aufstand der Alten. And in 2012, she dipped back into the realm of Fantasy with a role in One Thousand and One Nights. Zimmermann was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kellee Stewart established herself in the wide, wide world of genre entertainment with a recurring role aboard Midnight, Texas during its television run. Stewart was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I tend to be one of the few people online who thoroughly enjoyed Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Sure, it's easy to quibble with a few pieces of the flick here and there, but overall I thought it had a vibe truly close to the magic of the Original Trilogy. Daniel Mays enjoyed a small role in the film's set-up piece. He's also appeared in Mr. Nobody (2009), Outcasts, Ashes To Ashes, and Doctor Who. Mays was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, Austin Highsmith's very first screen credit was a guest spot aboard the short-lived 2005 reboot of Night Stalker. She went on to appearances aboard Ghost Whisperer, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and The 33rd: Sci-Fi Anthology. Highsmith was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When NBC relaunched its Fantasy series Heroes in the shape of Heroes Reborn, I deliberately stayed away. Sure, I probably should've given it the chance, but the program meandered so awfully from the beaten path in its first go-around I just had little faith. In any event, Judith Shekoni had a place in Reborn, and Shekoni was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born Anna Mae Wills doesn't appear to do much professionally these days (if IMDB.com is correct), but while she was up to the task she sported work aboard Supernatural, Smallville, and Meteor Storm (2010). Wills was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though the beautiful Melissa Ordway sticks more toward conventional projects, she did give Fantasy a whirl with a role aboard Abelar: Tales Of An Ancient Empire (2010) as a princess. Ordway was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Caitlin Carver hasn't exactly made Science Fiction her prime area of focus, but she has enjoyed screen time aboard Impact Earth (2015) and NBC's Timeless. Carver was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1930 (in Finland), Alraune (aka A Daughter Of Destiny) enjoyed its theatrical coming out. Henrik Galeen directed his adaptation of the Hanns Heinz Ewers' novel, and the film starred Brigitte Helm, Paul Wegener, Mia Pankau, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist interested in the laws of heredity, impregnates a prostitute in a laboratory with the semen of a hanged murderer. The prostitute conceives a female child who has no concept of love, whom the professor adopts."
For the record:
It's exceeding difficult and time-consuming to find much material about many of these older features, but there's a fabulous site out there (Scifist 2.0) that does a fabulous job in recounting what is known in essay form. Folks interested in reading up on this particular version of Alraune can do so by following the link right here.
"A scientist interested in the laws of heredity, impregnates a prostitute in a laboratory with the semen of a hanged murderer. The prostitute conceives a female child who has no concept of love, whom the professor adopts."
For the record:
It's exceeding difficult and time-consuming to find much material about many of these older features, but there's a fabulous site out there (Scifist 2.0) that does a fabulous job in recounting what is known in essay form. Folks interested in reading up on this particular version of Alraune can do so by following the link right here.
On this day in 1961 (in Ireland), Doctor Blood's Coffin earned its place in film history. Directed by Sidney J. Furie from a story by Nathan Juran, James Kelley, and Peter Miller, the Horror/Fantasy starred Kieron Moore, Hazel Court, Ian Hunter, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"People are mysteriously disappearing near a remote Cornish village, where a scientist is experimenting; reviving the dead."
"People are mysteriously disappearing near a remote Cornish village, where a scientist is experimenting; reviving the dead."
On this day in 1969 (in Spain), Mission Stardust touched down in theaters. Directed by Primo Zeglio, the SciFi feature starred Lang Jeffries and Essy Persson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A team of astronauts is sent to the moon to rescue an alien who is seeking help to save her dying race. They are attacked by a force of bandit robots and discover that enemy spies are out to kill the alien."
"A team of astronauts is sent to the moon to rescue an alien who is seeking help to save her dying race. They are attacked by a force of bandit robots and discover that enemy spies are out to kill the alien."
A star is born!
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), the good people of Dayton, Ohio were treated to an exclusive premiere event of Jennifer. Directed by Brice Mack from a story by Kay Cousins Johnson and Steve Krantz, the Horror/Thriller starred Lisa Pelikan, Bert Convy, Nina Foch, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ostracized at a snooty private school because of her impoverished rural Virginia background, scholarship student Jennifer Baylor is tormented to the point of exacting revenge by using her psychic control over snakes."
For the record:
To the film's credit, actress Lisa Pelikan earned a wee bit of praise for her work in the picture from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"Ostracized at a snooty private school because of her impoverished rural Virginia background, scholarship student Jennifer Baylor is tormented to the point of exacting revenge by using her psychic control over snakes."
For the record:
To the film's credit, actress Lisa Pelikan earned a wee bit of praise for her work in the picture from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1982 (in Italy), Conan The Barbarian fought his way onto the silver screen for the very first time. Written (in part) and directed by John Milius, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, and Sandahl Bergman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A powerful warrior seeks to avenge the genocide of his people and the murder of his parents at the hands of a snake cult."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), actress Sandahl Bergman took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in the production. Alas, Conan had to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary new release of Conan The Barbarian in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the film? Readers can find them right here.
"A powerful warrior seeks to avenge the genocide of his people and the murder of his parents at the hands of a snake cult."
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), actress Sandahl Bergman took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in the production. Alas, Conan had to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary new release of Conan The Barbarian in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the film? Readers can find them right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), Iceman enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences of the USA Film Festival. Directed by Fred Schepisi from a story by Chip Proser and John Drimmer, the SciFi/Drama starred Timothy Hutton, Lindsay Crouse, and John Lone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A prehistoric Neanderthal man found frozen in ice is revived by an arctic exploration team, who then attempt to use him for their own scientific means."
"A prehistoric Neanderthal man found frozen in ice is revived by an arctic exploration team, who then attempt to use him for their own scientific means."
So long as low-budget Apocalypse dramas never go out of style, there will always be a market for studded leather! On this day back in 1987, the Patrick Swayze SciFi/Actioner Steel Dawn first premiered in theatres (in South Africa, no less). I saw it once it arrived on home video ... and I forgot it not soon after. Still, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by a murderous gang that is after the water they control."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by a murderous gang that is after the water they control."
On this day in 1994 (in Australia), Freaked freaked out audiences. Written, directed, and starring Alex Winter, the SciFi/Comedy also brought along Brooke Shields and William Sadler on the ride, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A vain actor, his best friend, and an activist end up at a mutant freak farm run by a weirdo scientist."
"A vain actor, his best friend, and an activist end up at a mutant freak farm run by a weirdo scientist."
A star is born! Tank Girl. Odd property, an even odder movie. In the future, there's a slim supply of water, and it's all controlled by a mega-corporation. In comes Tank Girl to even the odds. It premiered in theatres on this day back in 1995. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tank Girl (Rebecca) and her friends are the only remaining citizens living in the wasteland that is Earth, where all the remaining water is controlled by Water and Power, the mega corporation/government that runs the territory. While incarcerated at W + P, Tank Girl and her new friend Jet Girl break out and steal... a tank and a jet. After meeting some mutant kangaroo/humans, and rescuing her little girl (adopted by her friends), the kangaroos and the girls kick Water and Powers' butt."
"Tank Girl (Rebecca) and her friends are the only remaining citizens living in the wasteland that is Earth, where all the remaining water is controlled by Water and Power, the mega corporation/government that runs the territory. While incarcerated at W + P, Tank Girl and her new friend Jet Girl break out and steal... a tank and a jet. After meeting some mutant kangaroo/humans, and rescuing her little girl (adopted by her friends), the kangaroos and the girls kick Water and Powers' butt."
A star is born!
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Beowulf enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Graham Baker from a story by Anonymous, Mark Leahy, and David Chappe, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Christopher Lambert, Rhona Mitra, Oliver Cotton, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a besieged land, Beowulf must battle against the hideous creature Grendel and his vengeance seeking mother."
"In a besieged land, Beowulf must battle against the hideous creature Grendel and his vengeance seeking mother."
I can still remember seeing The Matrix in theatres. Although it premiered on this day back in 1999, I know that I didn't rush out to the movies to see it right away. After all, it starred Keanu Reeves, so I figured it was probably going to end up being as tepid as Johnny Mnemonic was. In fact, I remember reading one review that even asked the question as to why Reeves would've chosen to star in The Matrix since its plot summary appeared to be identical to Mnemonic! What a difference a filmmaker with a vision makes, eh? Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence."
"When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence."
On this day in 2004 (in France), the 1957-produced Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by Jacques Tourneur from a story by Charles Bennett, Hal E. Chester, and M.R. James, the feature starred Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, Niall MacGinnis, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 2006 (in Canada, India, and the U.S.), Slither slithered its way onto silver screens. Written and directed by James Gunn, the Horror/Thriller starred Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Gregg Henry, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters."
For the record:
"A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters."
For the record:
- At the 2006 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Gunn took home top honors in the category of 'Highest Body Count.'
- At the 2007 Saturn Awards, Slither took home top honors in the category of 'Best Make-Up' but managed to lose out on the big trophy of 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1999, Dragonquest caught fire (on home video) for audiences. The feature starred Marc Singer and Brian Thompson, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"When an ancient warlord summons a mythological beast, a young hero must complete a series of quests to awaken the dragon that will defeat the monster."
"When an ancient warlord summons a mythological beast, a young hero must complete a series of quests to awaken the dragon that will defeat the monster."
On this day in 2011 (in Denmark and Greece), Battle Los Angeles enjoyed waging war on the silver screen. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi feature starred Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Los Angeles and other cities around the world are being bombarded by meteors that seem to be slowing down once they hit the earth's atmosphere. The earth is suddenly being invaded by space aliens that have landed off the shore of LA, and who begin killing everybody along the beach. The military is ordered into action. Marine Staff Sergeant Nantz (Aaron Eckhart), who was about to retire, is reassigned to a new platoon. The platoon, flown by chopper to the forward operating base at Santa Monica Airport, is being led by a new 2nd Lt. Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez). They are sent on a mission to rescue some civilians who are trapped at the police station within alien territory. They only have 3 hours to complete their mission and get out before the Air Force bombs that zone."
"Los Angeles and other cities around the world are being bombarded by meteors that seem to be slowing down once they hit the earth's atmosphere. The earth is suddenly being invaded by space aliens that have landed off the shore of LA, and who begin killing everybody along the beach. The military is ordered into action. Marine Staff Sergeant Nantz (Aaron Eckhart), who was about to retire, is reassigned to a new platoon. The platoon, flown by chopper to the forward operating base at Santa Monica Airport, is being led by a new 2nd Lt. Martinez (Ramon Rodriguez). They are sent on a mission to rescue some civilians who are trapped at the police station within alien territory. They only have 3 hours to complete their mission and get out before the Air Force bombs that zone."
A star is born!
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), home audiences were thrilled when the end of life as we know it occurred once more with the broadcast of Seattle Superstorm. Directed by Jason Bourque from a story by David Ray and Jeff Renfroe, the SciFi/Thriller starred Esai Morales, Ona Grauer, Jared Abrahamson, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When an unidentified object is shot down by the military and crashes into Puget Sound, it sets off a series of strange weather phenomena: earthquakes, tornadoes, lightning storms - and they're spreading."
"When an unidentified object is shot down by the military and crashes into Puget Sound, it sets off a series of strange weather phenomena: earthquakes, tornadoes, lightning storms - and they're spreading."
A star is born!
On this day in 2016 (in Germany), Anhedonia enjoyed its cinematic unveiling. Written and directed by the team of Patrick Siegfriend Zimmer and Robert Stradlober, the SciFi/Satire starred Stradlober alongside Paula Kalenberg, Blixa Bargeld, and Matthias Scheuring. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's the year 2020. Every day billions of people are victims of the digital, medial, narcissistic, hedonistic, careeristic and consumerist overstimulation and suggestion by the establishment. In a manner that remains unexplained to this day, hundreds of millions of citizens of the first world abruptly and epidemically fall ill with Anhedonia, an inability to feel pleasure and satisfaction. Two exemplary victims of these unspeakable circumstances are the dissimilar, but nevertheless inseparable, aristocrats' sons Franz and Fritz Freudenthal. Wholly bereft of meaning and tormented by their miserable, dull and joyless existence, they slowly waste away; until they become aware of the new and unique lust-stimulus therapy by the world-renowned and very trendy Prof. Dr. Immanuel Young, seeing in it the solution to all their problems."
"It's the year 2020. Every day billions of people are victims of the digital, medial, narcissistic, hedonistic, careeristic and consumerist overstimulation and suggestion by the establishment. In a manner that remains unexplained to this day, hundreds of millions of citizens of the first world abruptly and epidemically fall ill with Anhedonia, an inability to feel pleasure and satisfaction. Two exemplary victims of these unspeakable circumstances are the dissimilar, but nevertheless inseparable, aristocrats' sons Franz and Fritz Freudenthal. Wholly bereft of meaning and tormented by their miserable, dull and joyless existence, they slowly waste away; until they become aware of the new and unique lust-stimulus therapy by the world-renowned and very trendy Prof. Dr. Immanuel Young, seeing in it the solution to all their problems."
On this day in 2017, The Discovery gave audiences yet another look into the afterlife. The feature starred Robert Redford and Brian McCarthy, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two years after the afterlife is scientifically proven, a man attempts to help a young woman break away from her dark past."
"Two years after the afterlife is scientifically proven, a man attempts to help a young woman break away from her dark past."
On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "Superman's Wife." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's sixth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A beautiful policewoman is asked to pose as Superman's wife in order to help him break up a gang of bank robbers."
"A beautiful policewoman is asked to pose as Superman's wife in order to help him break up a gang of bank robbers."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "Security Hazard." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy manages to stow away on Thunderbird 2 and manages to get to International Rescue's island base undetected. On the island the Tracy boys are worried when they realize how much about the day to day operations have been revealed to the boy. Jeff comes up with a novel way to get around the issue and preserve all of International Rescue's secrets."
"A young boy manages to stow away on Thunderbird 2 and manages to get to International Rescue's island base undetected. On the island the Tracy boys are worried when they realize how much about the day to day operations have been revealed to the boy. Jeff comes up with a novel way to get around the issue and preserve all of International Rescue's secrets."
On this day in 1978, The Incredible Hulk aired "Terror In Times Square." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"David 'Blake' is working at an arcade in Times Square, where everybody pays off 'Uncle Jason'. David finds out two elderly men are planning to take matters into their own hands."
"David 'Blake' is working at an arcade in Times Square, where everybody pays off 'Uncle Jason'. David finds out two elderly men are planning to take matters into their own hands."
On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), Tales Of The Unexpected aired "Mrs. Bixby & The Colonel's Coat." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Unable to show her dentist husband Cyril the fur coat her lover has given her Mrs. Bixby pawns it and pretends that she found the ticket. She gives it to Cyril to redeem on her behalf but is taught that two can play at her game when he comes home with rather less than she expected, and she sees that his dental assistant will be warm for the winter."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I streamed this episode of Tales Of The Unexpected for my own via Amazon Prime. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"Unable to show her dentist husband Cyril the fur coat her lover has given her Mrs. Bixby pawns it and pretends that she found the ticket. She gives it to Cyril to redeem on her behalf but is taught that two can play at her game when he comes home with rather less than she expected, and she sees that his dental assistant will be warm for the winter."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I streamed this episode of Tales Of The Unexpected for my own via Amazon Prime. Interested readers can find my review right here.
It all began right here: on this day in 1987, Max Headroom made his premiere on television and into pop culture. His first episode was titled "Blipverts," and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Top TV reporter Edison Carter discovers Network 23 is experimenting with advertising that is lethal to some viewers. His boss tries to kill him and copy his mind to a controllable simulation. Instead Edison survives - and Max Headroom is born."
"Top TV reporter Edison Carter discovers Network 23 is experimenting with advertising that is lethal to some viewers. His boss tries to kill him and copy his mind to a controllable simulation. Instead Edison survives - and Max Headroom is born."
- For those of you who'd like a bit more, you can access SciFiHistory.Net's screencaps of the pilot episode right here.
On this day in 1988, Probe aired "Now You See It ..." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two executives die in elevators programmed by Austin. As Serendip's stock plummets, a corporate head hunter tries to oust Austin and take over the company."
"Two executives die in elevators programmed by Austin. As Serendip's stock plummets, a corporate head hunter tries to oust Austin and take over the company."
On this day in 1989, Quantum Leap aired "Star-Crossed." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"At a small Ohio college, Sam Beckett is a literature professor who must discourage the amorous advances of a student and finds the woman who left him at the altar. Sam hopes that resolving her conflicts with her father will prevent her from deserting him."
"At a small Ohio college, Sam Beckett is a literature professor who must discourage the amorous advances of a student and finds the woman who left him at the altar. Sam hopes that resolving her conflicts with her father will prevent her from deserting him."
Some guys? They just can't catch a break. Especially when those guys are captains of the Starship Enterprise! On this day in 1990, Jean-Luc Picard found himself in the middle of an archaeological conspiracy on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The hour was aptly titled "Captain's Holiday," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After mediating a difficult trade agreement, Captain Picard is encouraged to take a much needed rest on a vacationing planet, where he's visited by a strange race from the future, in search of a dangerous weapon."
"After mediating a difficult trade agreement, Captain Picard is encouraged to take a much needed rest on a vacationing planet, where he's visited by a strange race from the future, in search of a dangerous weapon."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "Valerie 23." Officially, this served as the second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"A disabled man is offered a prototype android companion in the form of the beautiful Valerie. But when he begins a romance with his physical therapist, his robot develops feelings of jealousy."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of "Valerie 23" right here!
"A disabled man is offered a prototype android companion in the form of the beautiful Valerie. But when he begins a romance with his physical therapist, his robot develops feelings of jealousy."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's review of "Valerie 23" right here!
On this day in 1995, the mind-blowing sci-fi drama VR5 aired its fifth episode, a little ditty titled "5D." Here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Oliver Sampson becomes Sydney's new contact for the Committee, and he pushes her into trying to trace who hired Boothe. Sydney discovers that Dr. Morgan's corpse has been cryogenically preserved."
"Oliver Sampson becomes Sydney's new contact for the Committee, and he pushes her into trying to trace who hired Boothe. Sydney discovers that Dr. Morgan's corpse has been cryogenically preserved."
On this day in 1997, Constable Odo got his 'groove' back with the airing of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's "A Simple Investigation." Officially, this was the seventeenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Odo becomes romantically attached to a woman working with the Orion Syndicate."
"Odo becomes romantically attached to a woman working with the Orion Syndicate."
On this day in 1999, Star Trek: Voyager continued its cruise across the Delta Quadrant with the airing of "Think Tank," the twentieth episode of the show's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Voyager is sought after by the Hazari, unyielding bounty hunters of the delta-quadrant. While debating methods of escape, a group of problem-solvers offers their services in out-witting the Hazari. The group spokesman Kurros (guest star Jason Alexander) proposes a payment method to Janeway: one of Neelix's famed recipes, an artifact owned by Chakotay, and Seven of Nine herself."
"Voyager is sought after by the Hazari, unyielding bounty hunters of the delta-quadrant. While debating methods of escape, a group of problem-solvers offers their services in out-witting the Hazari. The group spokesman Kurros (guest star Jason Alexander) proposes a payment method to Janeway: one of Neelix's famed recipes, an artifact owned by Chakotay, and Seven of Nine herself."
On this day in the year 2000, Farscape aired the third episode of its second season, an hour curiously titled "Taking the Stone." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Upon learning of her brother's death, Chiana leaves Moya in Aeryn's Prowler. Crichton and Aeryn find her on royal burial grounds living with a group of people with some strange customs, including throwing themselves off a cliff. Meanwhile Rigel loots what he can of the burial grounds, but finds the treasure is cursed."
"Upon learning of her brother's death, Chiana leaves Moya in Aeryn's Prowler. Crichton and Aeryn find her on royal burial grounds living with a group of people with some strange customs, including throwing themselves off a cliff. Meanwhile Rigel loots what he can of the burial grounds, but finds the treasure is cursed."
On this day in 2003, Andromeda aired "Point Of The Spear." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A newly colonized planet of the Commonwealth comes under attack by Pyrian "pyroformers", but when Dylan destroys the machines, the Pyrian fleet arrives to defend its property. Dylan hopes to talk them out of their goals, but they are not deterred. Dylan is forced into a battle he did not want, one where he is outmatched."
"A newly colonized planet of the Commonwealth comes under attack by Pyrian "pyroformers", but when Dylan destroys the machines, the Pyrian fleet arrives to defend its property. Dylan hopes to talk them out of their goals, but they are not deterred. Dylan is forced into a battle he did not want, one where he is outmatched."
On this day in 2004 (in Bulgaria), Farscape premiered "Crichton Kicks." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
"Crichton, now aboard a dying leviathan named Elac, encounters an alien named Sikozu who aids him in stopping the Grudeks who are intent on obtaining toubray (Leviathan neural cluster tissue)."
On this day in 2005 (in France), Firefly aired "The Train Job." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mal has second thoughts after discovering that two boxes of Alliance goods his crew has been hired to steal are full of badly needed medical supplies headed for the mining town of Paradiso."
"Mal has second thoughts after discovering that two boxes of Alliance goods his crew has been hired to steal are full of badly needed medical supplies headed for the mining town of Paradiso."
On this day in 2005 (in France), Firefly aired "Serenity." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
"Malcolm Reynolds is a veteran and the captain of Serenity. He and his crew are smuggling goods, but they need to pick up some passengers for extra money. However, not all the passengers are what they seem."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "Aliens Of London." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the Modern Era of Doctor Who, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor returns Rose to her own time - well, sort of - but her family reunion is ruined when a spaceship crashes in the middle of London. What is the origin of the spaceship, and where has the Prime Minister gone in this time of crisis?"
"The Doctor returns Rose to her own time - well, sort of - but her family reunion is ruined when a spaceship crashes in the middle of London. What is the origin of the spaceship, and where has the Prime Minister gone in this time of crisis?"
On this day in 2007, Star Trek aired the Remastered Version of "The Tholian Web." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Capt. Kirk and the derelict USS Defiant apparently lost, the Enterprise grapples with an insanity causing plague and an attack by the Tholians."
For the record:
Though this story appears in Star Trek's often-maligned third season, it's worthy of note that "The Tholian Web" was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for 'Special Classification of Outstanding Individual Achievements - Special Photographic Effects' back in 1969.
"With Capt. Kirk and the derelict USS Defiant apparently lost, the Enterprise grapples with an insanity causing plague and an attack by the Tholians."
For the record:
Though this story appears in Star Trek's often-maligned third season, it's worthy of note that "The Tholian Web" was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for 'Special Classification of Outstanding Individual Achievements - Special Photographic Effects' back in 1969.
Romance? In outer space? I hate it when that happens! On this day in 2012, Green Lantern: The Animated Series explored a bit of romance with the fifth episode of the show's first and only season. The adventure went by the name "Heir Apparent," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"To win the hand of an alien princess, Hal must fight a brutal warlord."
"To win the hand of an alien princess, Hal must fight a brutal warlord."
On this day in 2015 (in Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States), the mini-series event called Residue was released via the internet. It consisted of three episodes, and here are the summaries as provided by IMDB.com:
Episode 1: "After an explosion tears apart an English city, photojournalist Jennifer Preston notices people acting strangely and ghostly images appear in her pictures."
Episode 2: "Jennifer has trouble convincing her boyfriend of the ghostly phenomena until he learns that his colleagues at the Home Office have lied to him."
Episode 3: "When Jonas vanishes and Mathis becomes the prime suspect in a murder, Jennifer discovers that the conspiracy is greater than she ever imagined."
Episode 1: "After an explosion tears apart an English city, photojournalist Jennifer Preston notices people acting strangely and ghostly images appear in her pictures."
Episode 2: "Jennifer has trouble convincing her boyfriend of the ghostly phenomena until he learns that his colleagues at the Home Office have lied to him."
Episode 3: "When Jonas vanishes and Mathis becomes the prime suspect in a murder, Jennifer discovers that the conspiracy is greater than she ever imagined."
On this day in 1999, Lands Of Lore III was released to the general marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the property:
"Copper LeGre', the shunned son of king Richard' s brother and a Dracoid barmaid, must find the pieces of the Shining Path mirror in order to retrieve his stolen soul, close strange rifts and prove that he didn't kill his family."
"Copper LeGre', the shunned son of king Richard' s brother and a Dracoid barmaid, must find the pieces of the Shining Path mirror in order to retrieve his stolen soul, close strange rifts and prove that he didn't kill his family."
